Job Title

Group HR Manager – Children’s Residential ServicesSalary £55,000 - £60,000 per annum plus bonusGreater ManceshterOverviewCompass Associates are proud to be working with a leading provider of residential and educational services for children and young people who have experienced significant trauma. The organisation operates a large network of residential homes and specialist schools and has consistently achieved Ofsted outstanding ratings across its services. We are seeking a Group HR Manager to lead the HR function at head office.The CandidateThe Group HR Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership of the HR department, reporting directly to the CEO. This is a generalist role, heavily operational (90%) with a strategic element (10%). The postholder will lead a small HR team, oversee learning and development programmes, and drive recruitment and retention strategies in a challenging sector with high staff turnover and workforce shortages.The successful candidate will have experience managing high-volume recruitment, complex employee relations cases, and compliance with Ofsted and employment law. They will be confident in reporting accurate workforce data to senior leadership, mentoring HR staff, and developing engagement and retention initiatives. This is a senior leadership role requiring resilience, commercial awareness, and strong people management skills.Essential CriteriaDegree or equivalent qualificationMinimum 3 years’ experience in HR management within a regulated, high-turnover sectorProven experience managing recruitment, retention, and employee relationsStrong knowledge of employment law and HR best practiceCommercial acumen and experience reporting workforce data at senior levelExperience managing and mentoring a teamFull UK driving licenceStrong IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)Passion for supporting staff working with vulnerable children and young peopleDesirable CriteriaLevel 5 CIPD qualificationExperience in SEMH, residential care, or similar social care settingsKnowledge of GDPR and its application in HRPrevious experience supporting organisational growth and developmentSalary and Benefits£55,000 - £60,000 per annum plus bonus33 days annual leaveComprehensive induction and training programmeAccredited training and qualificationsCareer development and leadership pathwaysAccess to employee wellbeing and development benefitsSupportive and rewarding work environmentLocationThe role is based in the North West of England, with excellent transport links and accessibility across the region.Interview ProcessThe process includes an initial Teams conversation, followed by a formal panel interview with senior leadership. Candidates will also complete a presentation and competency-based tasks.Contact DetailsIf you would like to apply or gain further information, please contact Andy at Compass Associates on 0161 527 9632 or email Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy. We offer £200 in John Lewis vouchers or a £200 charity donation for every successful recommendation.Compass Associates, established in 2009, is an award-winning, UK specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Consultancy providing tailored, high-quality recruitment solutions for permanent assignments.